Must-try Dishes
Porotos Granados - Chilean Bean Stew - A hearty mix of fresh beans, corn, and squash, often prepared with a rich vegetable broth. This seasonal dish is a favorite during the summer months, enjoyed with family gatherings.
Completo - Chilean-style Hot Dog - A massive hot dog topped with sauerkraut, avocado, and a generous drizzle of mayonnaise. You can find these on many street corners, and locals often eat them late at night after a night out.
Pastel de Choclo - Corn Pie - A comforting baked dish with a base of seasoned ground meat topped with a sweet corn mixture and black olives. It’s commonly served during Sunday family lunches, perfect for sharing.
Cazuela - Chilean Stew - A rustic stew made with chunks of chicken or beef, along with potatoes, corn, and diverse vegetables. It’s a popular mid-week dinner, traditionally served in a large bowl to share.
Empanada de Pino - Meat-filled Pastry - A flaky pastry filled with seasoned beef, onions, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. At annual fiestas, locals enjoy biting into these savory treats while socializing and dancing.
Choclo con Queso - Corn with Cheese - Fresh corn on the cob slathered in creamy cheese, often enjoyed at summer fairs. It's always a great snack option when you're looking for something filling but casual.
Humitas - Steamed Corn Pudding - Made from ground corn mixed with cheese and spices, wrapped in corn husks before steaming. People love to eat them for breakfast or as a side dish during family gatherings.
Asado - Chilean Barbecue - Various cuts of meat slowly grilled over an open flame, often served with pebre sauce for an extra kick. It’s a cherished dish for weekend celebrations, bringing friends and family together for a feast.
Desserts & Drinks
Mate - Mâte (herbal tea) - A traditional infusion made from yerba mate leaves, served in a hollow gourd with a metal straw called a bombilla. Locals often share a gourd among friends during social gatherings, especially in the afternoon or early evening, making it a cozy ritual.
Pisco Sour - Pisco Sour (cocktail) - A refreshing cocktail made with pisco (grape brandy), lime juice, simple syrup, and a frothy egg white on top. It's a beloved drink to sip during celebrations or while unwinding at night, but be careful – locals often expect you to know it's pronounced "pees-co," not "piss-co!"
Terremoto - Terremoto (earthquake drink) - A fruity concoction of pipeño (sweet wine), pineapple ice cream, and a splash of grenadine. Often enjoyed during Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day), it's served in a large glass and will surely give you a delightful "earthquake" of flavors.
Alfajores - Alfajores (sandwich cookies) - Delicate cookies filled with dulce de leche and rolled in coconut or powdered sugar. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a snack alongside your afternoon coffee, and you’ll find them especially popular at family gatherings and during the holidays.
- Creamy and typically made with local fruits like lúcuma or chícharo (green pea), this frozen delight is a staple on hot summer days. It's often enjoyed at open-air markets, and trust me, a scoop of lúcuma will take your taste buds on a sweet adventure!
By the way, during the warm months, summer fruit flavors take center stage, so don’t miss out on trying those unique options!
